Free support for over 50s to get online

Claire Cartmill

On Thursday 14 and Thursday 28 April, hundreds of business volunteers will be poised and ready to provide FREE digital skills support, helping people over the age of 50 to get to grips with the Internet, email, Skype and social media.

Located in libraries across Northern Ireland, Silver Surfers’ Days are back by popular demand – both from older people and from the volunteers. These events are organised by Business in the Community in partnership with the Department of Finance and Personnel, and supported by Libraries NI

Volunteering Manager for Business in the Community, Hilary Hanberry explains: “We all know someone who’s not online. Perhaps it’s your mum, or your gran; your next door neighbour or even your best friend. If you do, please let them know about Silver Surfers’ Day. All they (or you) need to do is contact your local library and a FREE and friendly session will be organised. All of our volunteers are passionate about sharing their skills and they get true joy from helping someone else understand how they can keep in touch with family and friends through Facebook or Skype; save money by shopping on eBay or Amazon; or learn to play the guitar using YouTube. Being connected to the worldwide web certainly has its advantages!”

Paul Wickens, CEO of Enterprise Shared Services in the Department of Finance and Personnel adds: “I am delighted the campaign is being assisted in this proactive way by Business in the Community. Silver Surfers’ Day as part of Spring Online Week forms part of our ‘Go ON NI’ programme which aims to encourage as many people as possible to go online, address any barriers, promote the benefits of accessing the internet, and highlight the convenience of online public services.”

Irene Knox, Chief Executive, Libraries NI, explains: “Almost 30 libraries across Northern Ireland will be taking part by hosting free IT sessions on the day and we hope that record numbers of people will call in and enjoy Silver Surfers’ Day in our libraries. We hope you will use their facilities for free, not only on Silver Surfers’ Day but at any time of the year and everyone is invited to join the library with free membership for all.”

To book your free place, contact your local library or call the Libraries NI Customer Services Line on 0345 4504 580. For more information visit www.bitcni.org.uk